Densities in lb per cubic inch: aluminum 0.0975, titanium 0.160, cast iron 0.260, carbon steel 0.2836, stainless 0.289, brass 0.307, bronze 0.322, copper 0.323. Steel at 0.2836 lb/in3 is 7.85 g/cm3.
Typical published densities for the alloys hobby shops actually buy. Each metal links to its weight tables by shape; the metal weight calculator handles any size.
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Density by metal
| Metal | Typical alloy | lb/in3 | g/cm3 | lb/ft3 | 1" round bar, lb/ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel | 1018 / A36 | 0.2836 | 7.85 | 490 | 2.673 |
| Stainless steel | 304 | 0.2890 | 8.00 | 499 | 2.724 |
| Aluminum | 6061 | 0.0975 | 2.70 | 168 | 0.919 |
| Brass | 360 | 0.3070 | 8.50 | 530 | 2.893 |
| Copper | 110 | 0.3230 | 8.94 | 558 | 3.044 |
| Bronze | 932 bearing bronze | 0.3220 | 8.93 | 556 | 3.035 |
| Cast iron | gray, class 30 | 0.2600 | 7.20 | 449 | 2.450 |
| Titanium | 6Al-4V | 0.1600 | 4.43 | 276 | 1.508 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much heavier is steel than aluminum?
About 2.9 times. Carbon steel is 0.2836 lb per cubic inch and 6061 aluminum 0.0975, so any aluminum part weighs roughly 34% of the same part in steel. That ratio is why aluminum dominates hobby projects where weight matters, and why a steel faceplate or chuck is noticeably harder to handle than it looks.
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Figures are from published standards and handbook values, reproduced for convenience. Check critical dimensions against the standard or your tooling manufacturer.